Bone Marrow/Stem Cells: No Edge in Breast Cancer
Article Abstract:
Four clinical trials have shown that aggressive treatment with high-dose chemotherapy and bone marrow or stem cell transplants do not improve the prognosis of breast cancer. High-dose chemotherapy damages the immune system, so bone marrow or stem cell transplants are needed to restore immunity. However, survival rates in the trials were similar in women treated aggressively and women treated with standard chemotherapy. Aggressive therapy is more expensive, and these preliminary results indicate that it may not be cost-effective. Women treated with standard chemotherapy still lived longer than women in the past, indicating that standard therapy alone has improved.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
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Study shows mastectomy prevents breast cancer in high-risk women
Article Abstract:
Prophylactic mastectomy may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women with the BRCA genes but women should think carefully before consenting to the procedure. Prophylactic mastectomy is the removal of one or both breasts to prevent the development of breast cancer. Women with the BRCA genes have a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer than most women. A study of 950 women who had a prophylactic mastectomy found that the procedure reduced the risk of future breast cancer by more than 90%. However, this procedure may only be necessary in high-risk women.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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Study Indicates Utility for New Breast Cancer Prognostic Marker
Article Abstract:
Breast cancer patients who have low blood levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 have a better prognosis than those with high levels. These proteins help the cancer cells spread to other parts of the body.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2001
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